We are looking for a Benefits Specialist to support leave of absence and accommodation programs for a healthcare organization in Boston, Massachusetts. This Long-term Contract position focuses on guiding employees and managers through benefit-related processes with accuracy, discretion, and timely communication. The role will help maintain compliance with applicable leave regulations, collective bargaining requirements, and internal policies while ensuring complete documentation and dependable recordkeeping.
Responsibilities:
- Oversee employee leave cases from intake through return-to-work, ensuring each request is reviewed, documented, and managed in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and labor agreement provisions.
- Coordinate federal, state, parental, and other protected leave programs by issuing required paperwork, reviewing certifications, and communicating approval, denial, or next-step requirements to employees.
- Partner with employees and supervisors to secure complete medical documentation, monitor deadlines, and support smooth transitions back to active work status, including fitness-for-duty clearance when needed.
- Administer workplace accommodation requests by engaging with employees and leaders, preparing written follow-up communications, and tracking the status of each case through resolution.
- Maintain accurate records for leave balances, usage, accrual activity, and case status while ensuring confidential medical files are handled in line with established privacy standards.
- Prepare recurring and ad hoc reports that highlight leave and accommodation activity, identify patterns, and support operational review or decision-making.
- Manage benefit-related premium collection for employees who are away from work on approved leave or workers’ compensation and coordinate related updates as needed.
- Monitor paid parental leave, sick-leave programs, and catastrophic illness leave requests, including approvals, usage tracking, payroll notifications, and policy-related administrative actions.
- Review questionable leave activity, work with supervisors to address concerns, and assist in resolving cases that may involve misuse or noncompliance.
- Demonstrated experience administering employee leave programs, including FMLA and other protected absences.
- Working knowledge of benefits coordination, compensation and benefits practices, and leave compliance requirements.
- Ability to review medical certifications and related documentation while maintaining strict confidentiality.
- Experience tracking leave usage, approvals, accruals, and return-to-work requirements with a high level of accuracy.
- Strong communication skills for interacting with employees, managers, payroll, and other internal partners.
- Ability to analyze leave and accommodation data and produce clear reports for trend monitoring and follow-up.
- Comfortable handling sensitive employee matters, conducting case reviews, and supporting policy enforcement when issues arise.